Blacklegged ticks cause Lyme disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Blacklegged tick bites also can transmit other diseases and infections, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan disease.
Learning to recognize them is a crucial step to preventing Lyme disease and increase the likelihood that homeowners can prevent tick infestations before they get out of hand.
According to the pest control experts at Terminix®, the following are some characteristics of blacklegged ticks.
- Size: Blacklegged ticks are tiny. Nymphs can be as small as the size of the head of a pin, while adults measure one-eighth of an inch. This size underscores the importance of conducting thorough examinations of your body and the bodies of your children after spending time in the yard. Inspect carefully, as ticks are so small that it’s easy for them to go unrecognized.
- Color: Ticks are dark brown to black and have dark legs. It’s easy to mistake ticks for freckles or moles. Look carefully if you notice any areas on you or your children’s skin that seem to have a new freckle or mole.
- Behavior: Ticks need blood meals at each stage of life in order to grow. Though it’s possible to find ticks anywhere on the body, the CDC notes that they tend to seek out certain areas. Such areas include under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, the backs of the knees, between the legs, and around the waist. Ticks also can be found in and around all head and body hair, so it’s vital that people ask someone to inspect the hair on their heads and use a mirror to inspect private areas. Parents should carefully check their children’s hair and even insist that kids wear hats when spending time in the woods or yards where ticks have been found.
